Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download from Microsoft. It is simple to install, easy to use and
updated routinely, so you can be sure your PC is protected by the latest technology. It’s easy to tell if your
PC is secure — when you’re green, you’re good. It’s that simple!

Windows Vista (Gold, Service Pack 1, or Service Pack 2) - with a CPU clock speed of 1.0 GHz or higher and 1 GB RAM or higher.

Windows 7 - with a CPU clock speed of 1.0 GHz or higher and 1 GB RAM or higher.

Does your computer also have the following?

VGA display of 800 × 600 or higher.

200 MB of available hard disk space.

An Internet connection for installation and to download the latest virus and spyware definitions.

An Internet Browser, such as:

Windows Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.

Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or later.

2. Make sure you are NOT running any other security programs…

Microsoft Security Essentials cannot be installed on a computer running other security programs. In addition to the instructions below, please also refer to the software manufacturer’s web site for the proper uninstall procedures.

To uninstall existing antivirus programs, follow these steps:

Click on Start and go to the Control Panel.

Choose Uninstall a Program (Add/Remove Programs for Windows XP users).

Review the list of programs and find your current antivirus program.

Click to uninstall it.

After the uninstall completes, restart your computer.

Once your computer restarts, click on Start and go to the Control Panel.

Choose Uninstall a Program (Add/Remove Programs for Windows XP users).

Check through the list of installed software to make sure there are NOT any more listings for your old antivirus program.

6. Select one of the two options, according to your preference, and click Next to continue.

7. Check the box to allow Security Essentials to turn on a firewall (if you do not have one turned on) and click Next to continue.

8. You will receive a warning indicating you should uninstall any other antivirus or antispyware programs before continuing. If you have already completed Step 2, click Install to continue. If you have not completed Step 2 you will need to do so before you proceed.

9. Wait patiently as the system performs the installation.

10. Click Finish to finish the installation.

11. The application will automatically begin searching for new updates. Please wait patiently until this process is complete.

12. After the update is complete, the window below will display including a list of new definitions. You can also manually update the definition files at any time by clicking Update as shown below.

Note: This completes the installation. You will now see an image like a “tent with a flag on top” in your taskbar, near your system clock. As long as the tent is “green” you are protected; it will change colors to warn you when your definitions are outdated or other actions are required.

It is recommended that you run a full scan of your computer to verify that it does not currently have a virus. To do so, click the home tab and then choose the scan option Full. Click Scan Now. The scan may take some time to complete. You can cancel the scan at any time by clicking Cancel.